Meat Plant Worker

POWERGROUP Resources, on behalf of our client Spring Creek Quail Farms, is seeking reliable and hardworking individuals to work in our quail processing facility. 

Spring Creek is a family-owned farm in Saint Anns, Ontario — where the quail are well-cared for, and the eggs are as fresh as can be! We're dedicated to bringing fresh quail eggs from our farm to your table in a way that we can all feel good about.

Founded in 2002, our small but mighty farm has grown to become one of the largest producers of quail eggs in North America. Our all-natural eggs are laid by healthy and happy hens, with no antibiotics or hormones.

We believe quail are a healthier, happier bird than chickens — and their eggs should be available to more people. Today, Spring Creek Quail Farms ships millions of fresh quail eggs to hundreds of local supermarkets across Canada and the United States. In addition, we are a producer of pickled quail eggs and fresh quail meat.

Position Summary

The Quail Processing Plant Worker is responsible for assisting with the humane handling, slaughter, processing, packaging, and sanitation activities within a quail processing facility. Employees perform a variety of production tasks while ensuring compliance with food safety regulations, animal welfare requirements, workplace health and safety standards, and company policies.

Key Responsibilities

Live Animal Handling

• Receive and handle live quail in a humane and professional manner.
• Follow approved animal welfare procedures and company handling protocols.
• Assist with unloading, holding, and movement of birds within designated areas.
• Identify and report signs of illness, injury, or distress.

Slaughter and Processing

• Perform assigned duties related to slaughter operations, including stunning, bleeding, scalding, defeathering, evisceration, and carcass preparation.
• Follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Humane Handling Procedures.
• Maintain product integrity and prevent contamination during processing.
• Remove defective or condemned products as directed.

Packaging and Further Processing

• Package whole birds, portions, or value-added products according to specifications.
• Apply labels and verify product information.
• Assist with weighing, boxing, palletizing, and preparing products for storage or shipment.
• Support secondary processing activities, including marinating, portioning, cooking, or egg processing where applicable.

Food Safety and Quality Assurance

• Follow all food safety requirements, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), sanitation procedures, and preventive controls.
• Adhere to OMAFA, HACCP, and company food safety requirements.
• Monitor products for quality defects and report concerns immediately.
• Complete required production and quality records accurately.

Cleaning and Sanitation

• Perform daily cleaning and sanitation of equipment, tools, and work areas.
• Safely use approved cleaning chemicals and sanitation equipment.
• Participate in pre-operational and post-operational sanitation activities.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization throughout the facility.

Health and Safety

• Follow all workplace health and safety procedures.
• Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Report hazards, near misses, injuries, equipment issues, and unsafe conditions.
• Participate in safety training and emergency response procedures.

Equipment Operation

• Safely operate assigned processing equipment and tools.
• Conduct basic inspections of equipment before use.
• Report equipment malfunctions or maintenance concerns promptly.
• Assist with equipment setup and changeovers as required.

This job description may evolve as the business grows and operational needs change.

Requirements

Key Competencies

Required

• Working knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, or food safety programs.
• Ability to work in a cold processing environment.
• Comfortable with physically demanding work, including standing for extended periods and performing repetitive tasks.
• Ability to lift up to 25 kg (55 lbs).
• Ability to work around live animals and raw poultry products in wet, humid, or noisy conditions.
• Eligible to work in Canada.

Preferred

• Previous experience in a food production environment, including poultry, meat processing, food manufacturing, or agricultural operations.
• Knowledge of animal welfare requirements.
• Additional familiarity with OMAFA requirements is an asset.
• Availability for flexible hours during peak production periods

This posting reflects an active hiring need for an existing vacancy with our client. We use AI-assisted tools to help review resumes and identify potential candidate matches, however all hiring decisions are made by our team and the client directly.

Benefits

What we offer

• Salary: Starting at $18.00 per hour
• Part-time or Full-time opportunities in a 30-40 hours/week range.
• Benefits available after one year of service for employees who meet the minimum hours requirement.